Sports
Sources: St. John's lands Cuse transfer Freeman
Donnie Freeman commits to St. John's, choosing them over Kentucky.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Fred Warner returns healthy as 49ers open offseason program, bolstering elite defense
TL;DR
Fred Warner returns healthy as the San Francisco 49ers begin their offseason program, enhancing their elite defense. He is participating without limitations after recovering from a season-ending ankle injury.
Key points
- Fred Warner returns healthy for the offseason program
- He suffered a season-ending ankle injury last season
- Warner was a key player with over 70 tackles before the injury
- His versatility enhances the 49ers' elite defense
- Warner has multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections
San Francisco 49ersFred WarnerTampa Bay Buccaneers
Fred Warner returns healthy as 49ers open offseason program, bolstering elite defense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco 49ers opened their offseason training program Monday with a key piece of their defense back in place: Fred Warner is healthy and participating without limitations.
Warner, who suffered a season-ending right ankle injury in an Oct. 12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has made a full recovery and is once again leading the unit that has been the backbone of San Francisco’s success in recent years.
Prior to the injury, Warner was again producing at an elite level. In limited action last season, he totaled more than 70 tackles, multiple tackles for loss and a pair of pass breakups, continuing to impact games in all phases. Over the course of his career, he has consistently ranked among the league leaders in tackles, surpassing 100 stops in multiple seasons while adding interceptions, forced fumbles and double-digit passes defended.
His ability to fill the stat sheet reflects his versatility. Warner is equally effective defending the run, dropping into coverage or rushing the passer when needed. That all-around production is a major reason he has earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
Without him, San Francisco’s defense showed flashes but lacked its usual consistency and cohesion. Warner’s presence not only stabilizes the middle of the field but also elevates those around him, allowing the 49ers to execute their scheme at a higher level.
Poised to anchor defense entering 2026 season
Q&A
What injury did Fred Warner recover from?
Fred Warner recovered from a season-ending right ankle injury he sustained during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
How did Fred Warner perform before his injury?
Before his injury, Fred Warner recorded over 70 tackles, multiple tackles for loss, and two pass breakups in limited action last season.
Why is Fred Warner important to the 49ers' defense?
Fred Warner is crucial to the 49ers' defense due to his versatility and elite production, which has earned him multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
